Melody, Quash, and Pond swam a long passage, following Mr. Pidfudge until they reached the end of it. Melody's eyes widened, looking in amazement at the scene that unfolded before her. "Wow!"
She saw a beautiful sight like she had never seen before. Coral reefs shine with many colors. They create a natural fortress under the water. The dim light filtered through the water, casting shadows on the coral pillars. This created a magical and mesmerizing atmosphere. In the deep caves, hidden rooms offer a safe place. Here, land animals find peace and wonder.
A herd of rabbits hopped amidst a cluster of red algae growing on corals. Polar bears glided through the water. Their thick fur made them look calm and majestic in this special world. Foxes with bushy tails walked on the soft white sand. Their tracks told stories of their journeys under the calm sea. Meanwhile, a lion cub played and swam with a small deer and a marmot. Nearby, a squirrel balanced on an elephant's trunk with a joyful expression.
These elements formed an underwater scene beyond human imagination. In this serene world, time felt frozen. The calming sound of the waves was soothing. A deep curiosity to explore the ocean's hidden depths grew stronger. This underwater world amazed Melody like never before. It was a kind of beauty she had never heard of or even thought about.
"Is this Bubbles Meadow?" Melody asked, amazed.
Quash nodded with pride. "Yes, this is now our home."
Mr. Pidfudge turned his head, and after taking one puff on his cigar holder, he said, "We have arrived. Now I must return to the guardhouse."
"Thank you, sir," said Pond, stammering, but Pidfudge didn't reply and swam away from them.
Melody watched Mr. Pidfudge until he disappeared behind a large coral. "Is he usually unfriendly?""
"He used to be cheerful, until one incident ..." Pond paused for a moment, frowning. "Never mind. We should meet Fin soon."
Melody glanced at Pond, who appeared hesitant to delve further into the topic of Mr. Pidfudge. She had many questions, but she set them aside without hesitation. She thought it wasn't good to pry into others' lives. After all, there was little merit in meddling in the affairs of others.
"Hey, why are you guys still there? Let's go!" exclaimed Quash, who had already swum quite a distance ahead, startling Melody.
"Wait for us, Quash!" Pond shouted as he chased after Quash, followed by Melody behind him.
They swam along a wide, winding path, the calm water surrounding them. The path was adorned with shimmering seashells. Their vibrant colors sparkled as they reflected the light from glowing creatures and objects. The seashells, both large and small, formed a trail that seemed to invite them to swim further into the underwater world. Melody’s eyes widened as she took in the beauty around her, the colors of the shells blending perfectly with the vibrant underwater life all around her.
Melody’s awe at the splendor of Bubbles Meadow was unrelenting. Every new sight she encountered left her in wonder. Every ornament and living being looked beautiful; their colors were like brushstrokes from an artist. But what captivated her most was the bubbles reflecting the colors of the sea. They glided in and out of the green seaweed like a water elevator. Some floated up, while others drifted down into the depths. The movement was so graceful, it felt like part of the rhythm of the ocean itself. Melody shifted her gaze to a magnificent tower ahead, its structure made from colorful ocean stones that sparkled like jewels beneath the water. The tower stood tall and proud, a beacon of beauty in the heart of Bubbles Meadow.
As they swam further, Melody’s heart raced with excitement. The further she swam, the more astonishing the underwater world became. The air around her was filled with a peaceful calm, a kind of serenity that only the ocean could provide. Every moment felt timeless like she was inside a dream too beautiful to be real. But no, she was in a perfect reality.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Quash smiled. "This is why we call this place 'Bubbles Meadow,' Mel."
"The bubbles will take us to a floor. Then we’ll go through the Suction Chimney to reach Fin," Pond said, pointing to the top of the building.
Melody's eyes widened and sparkled with enthusiasm. "Really? Come on, what are you waiting for? I'd love to be in that bubble!"
Melody couldn’t wait for an answer and swam towards the bubbles. She kicked her legs energetically, eager to get closer to the sight. Melody was distinct in Bubbles Meadow. Her human form made her look different from the other creatures. Her hair flowed freely. It caught the attention of all the creatures. But she didn't notice; she was focused on the bubbles.
Quash and Pond exchanged glances, chuckled, and swam after Melody. Everything around them felt familiar, so Melody's excitement amused them a little. As they followed her, the usual sounds of the area were replaced by the soft ripples around them. After about five hundred meters, they arrived near the bubbles.
Melody saw a queue that stretched for a considerable distance around the bubbles. Feeling a twinge of disappointment, she sighed. "I thought we would be in the bubble soon."
"Of course, we have to queue. That building is busy with many activities. It has a market, a school, a playground for kids, and more. So be patient for a while," Pond explained.
"Usually, we won't wait too long," said Quash.
"Who is this new friend of yours?" A voice called out from behind, surprising everyone.
Startled, Melody quickly turned around. She froze for a moment when she saw a fox floating just behind her, her paws confidently resting on her hips. The fox wore a wide grin, her eyes glinting with mischievous curiosity as she observed Melody closely. Her tail swayed slightly, and Melody couldn’t shake the feeling that the fox was sizing her up, as though measuring Melody with her sharp, watchful gaze.
Quash and Pond exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes filled with unspoken discomfort. It was clear that they were both waiting for the other to speak up, unsure of how to respond to the fox's sudden appearance. Melody studied them intently, noticing the unease on their faces. She could see the tension between them, a moment of hesitation that hung in the air, as the fox continued to watch her with keen interest.
Finally, Quash gave in. "She's our friend, Mrs. Budrow."
"I know she's your friend, but who is she? Why is she different from the others? What species is she, actually?" Mrs. Budrow fired off questions, looking very curious.
Quash seemed at a loss for an answer. "She's ... she's ..."
"Where did you meet her?" Mrs. Budrow raised an eyebrow.
"We met her once somewhere, and that was a long time ago. After all this time, we met again by accident, so we brought her here," Quash stammered.
Mrs. Budrow squinted, observing Melody. "Don't you think you're being too naive, considering her a friend when she could be a spy for those fish?"
"No way, Ma'am! She's not a spy! Isn't the spy you?"
"What?" Mrs. Budrow stared at Pond, making him hide behind Melody.